Please explain the differences in use of avoir besoin and il faut. In this case elle en avoir besoin was not a listed option.

Ann H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Please explain the differences in use of avoir besoin and il faut. In this case elle en avoir besoin was not a listed option.

This question relates to:French writing exercise "A last minute request"

Freeform Writing Exercise C1

Asked 5 years ago

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Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Avoir besoin de qc is mainly used for concrete objects. It is also more personal than il faut.

Il faut qu'il achète une nouvelle voiture. -- He needs to buy a new car. The focus is on the "buying" part and the overall connotation is a bit impersonal.

Il a besoin d'une nouvelle voitrue. -- He needs a new car. The focus is on the object itself, the car. And it is a very direct and more personal way to express it.

Like25 years ago

Ann H.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thanks

Like15 years ago

Ann H. asked:

Please explain the differences in use of avoir besoin and il faut. In this case elle en avoir besoin was not a listed option.

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